Going to court for the first time.
Going to court for a case hearing does not need to be a stressful experience if properly prepared. There are a number of tips to follow helping produce a stress-free courtroom appearance. Of course, being represented by an attorney will go a long way to take additional stress off of you.
Get your research and papers in order.
It is highly recommended to do as much research as possible prior to an established court date. This will include gathering all necessary information and documents so they are clearly organized. Always mark documents that need to be submitted to the court so when asked there is no fumbling through folders attempting to find them. If you are represented by an attorney, they should do the planning for you. Go over your facts one more time with your attorney. Also, make sure you have a notepad and pen handy when your day in court arrives. This can be especially helpful if you are a person who becomes fidgety when they are nervous. Here’s a great tip for any person never having experienced courtroom activity – go visit a working courtroom to get a feel for what goes on. Most court hearings are held in an open courtroom where the public is allowed to attend.
Proper attire makes a good impression.
No, you will not find any posted rules about what type of attire is required when attending a court hearing. There simply are no rules about what to wear in court. Be clean, well groomed wearing conservative clothing and your first impression upon the court should be quite positive.
Leave the kids at home.
The courtroom is a formal place where proper decorum is the necessary rule, do not attempt to bring young children when your day in court arrives. Unless, of course, your court appearance also mandates your child or children attend, typically speaking, courtroom environments are not child-friendly. It is best to keep children out of court for both their safety and that of others attending.
Make sure you are well-rested and eat a healthy breakfast.
I know this sounds silly to say, but it is important. Just because your case is on the docket for 10 a.m. does not mean you will be called at that time. You could be sitting in court for a couple of hours before your case is even called.
On the Day of Court
The day for your court appearance has arrived. Make sure to show up at least 30 minutes ahead of time in order to find a place to park, locate the correct courtroom or possibly confer with your lawyer. Many courtrooms do not allow carrying a cell phone and it may be “confiscated” when going through a security checkpoint. Other points of protocol include:
• Remove hats, scarves, sunglasses or other head covering unless used for medical or religious reasons.
• Never bring food or drink into the courtroom.
• When your name is called for a docket call make sure to speak out clearly and loudly enough for the judge and/or other court officers to hear properly.
• When your case is called, stand. You will be directed to the bar table by a court officer.
• You may bring your paperwork with you when you are called.
Follow these tips for a stress-free courtroom experience. If you need representation with your case, give me a call. My job is to help lighten your stress levels.
